observed in this study. Enhanced mean 85 GHz depressions
were observed over land, in agreement with previous studies.
Mean values during AEW phases and when no AEW was
present indicated variability of convective characteristics as
a function of synoptic regime. Characteristics as a function
of easterly phase differed from those found by Petersen and
Boccippio (2004). The trough phase displayed a widespread
convective signature, while the southerly phase generally
indicated more isolated, intense convection. Convective
characteristics during the ridge phase were slightly more
intense than during the trough phase. A decrease in
convective strength was observed during the northerly AEW
phase. Convection occurring when no AEW was identified
was similar to that in the southerly AEW regimes, with an
increased stratiform signature.
The separation of convective reflectivity profiles by region
was evident, while stratiform reflectivity profiles displayed
similar features. The most notable differences appeared
near the surface, likely due to environmental characteristics
(moist over ocean and coast, drier inland; especially in
northern regions). Influence of AEW regimes was more
apparent in frequency distributions and vertical reflectivity
profiles in the coastal and continental regions than the
maritime regions. Generally, the southerly, and to a lesser
degree the ridge regime, resulted in strengthened convective
intensity metrics over land, revealing enhancement of the
convective portion of MCSs. Of interest, the distribution of
stratiform fraction showed large variability between AEW